It will see a run-down toilet block transformed into a contemporary multi-purpose split level cafe-restaurant with a paved outdoor seating area and roof terrace with coastal and countryside views.

Public toilets will be retained and upgraded within the building while changing rooms, a centre for water sports and community space for up to 90 people will be made available to local groups.

Speaking at the committee, developers said the coastal setting had inspired the design of the building with the intention of delivering the “best beachfront cafe-restaurant in the UK”.

Councillor Brian Boggis, Adur District Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “There is no doubt that Beach Green is a special place and, providing this new exciting venue is managed correctly, the Shoreham Beachbox can bring immense benefits to our area.

“This is Boxpark’s first venture outside of London. Bringing a company with their worldwide reputation for creating exciting places for people to eat and drink is a real vote of confidence in Adur.

“It shows that people want to invest in our communities to create more vibrant places for people to live, work and relax with their friends and family.”

The Council entered into preferred development agreement with Boxpark for the site in Beach Green in 2017 and a lease for the land was signed earlier this year.

When complete, it is expected that about 25 jobs will be created while developers have made a commitment to use local contractors

To accommodate deliveries, the existing bus stop will be extended while the location of a Council-owned surface car park close to the site alleviated parking concerns.

Roger Wade, CEO and Founder of Boxpark, said: “Our intention from the start has always been to create the best seafront cafe-restaurant in the UK. With planning approval granted we have now taken a large step forward to achieving that ambition. We now commit to working with the community to make sure we deliver on our promise.

“I’m confident that our plans will transform this site, turning a run-down block which is a hub for antisocial behaviour into a vibrant destination cafe-restaurant which will put Shoreham Beach on the map.”

Councillor Carol Albury, Chairman of Adur District Council’s Planning Committee, said: “While we understand some of the concerns raised by local residents around this proposal, it was agreed the creation of this landmark building would deliver huge benefits while regenerating a dilapidated toilet which has seen better days.”

Cllr Abury added that while the new building would bring something special to the area it was important that West Sussex County Council resurfaced the run-down shared pedestrian and cycle route to the south of the development.